DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka — In a compelling performance, Dunith Wellalage made a striking impact in his debut match, taking three wickets and guiding Sri Lanka to a convincing 73-run victory over the West Indies in the second Twenty20 encounter. This win allowed Sri Lanka to equalize the three-match series at 1-1.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat first, leading his team to a total of 162 runs for the loss of five wickets at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium. In response, the West Indies struggled throughout their innings, getting bowled out for just 89 runs in the 17th over. This outcome marked Sri Lanka’s most significant triumph over the West Indies in terms of run margin.
Pathum Nissanka was a standout performer for the Sri Lankan side, scoring 54 runs off 49 balls, featuring one six and nine fours. Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera contributed significantly as well, with scores of 26 and 24, respectively. Romario Shepherd was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, claiming two wickets while conceding 23 runs.
The West Indies’ batting disintegrated early in their innings, struggling to find momentum and facing mounting pressure on a pitch favorable for spin bowling. Wellalage was instrumental in this collapse, dismissing Brandon King, who had been the top scorer in the previous match, by having him stumped for just 5 runs. He then took out both Andre Fletcher (4) and Roston Chase (4) with catches facilitated by Kamindu Mendis, finishing with impressive figures of three wickets for only nine runs over his four-over spell.
Sri Lanka’s spinners, Maheesh Theekshana, Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga, also played crucial roles, each claiming two wickets. The West Indies faced an early setback, losing their first wicket at just 12 runs, and deteriorated further, losing a staggering seven wickets for a mere 40 runs.
Despite some late resistance from captain Rovman Powell, who scored 20 runs, and Alzarri Joseph with 16 runs, their efforts fell short. The stage is set for the third and decisive match of the series, which will take place at the same venue on Thursday.